Data center developers are rapidly expanding across small-town America, driven by growing demand for artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital storage. The development is concentrated in specific areas, with nearly 1% of US counties accounting for 72% of all data-center activity.
Newton County, Georgia, has become one of the most aggressive data center build-out zones in the state. Meta’s Stanton Springs campus, which opened in 2018, has expanded to include a second campus under construction, and Amazon is also building on a $25 million acreage purchase.
While the growth brings benefits such as jobs and tax revenue, residents are concerned about the impact on their community. Longtime resident Lisa Miller worries that the rapid pace of construction is raising safety concerns and potentially affecting home values.
Local leaders, including Newton County Commissioner LeAnne Long, stress the need to slow the pace, coordinate, and plan for long-term consequences. Meta’s commitment to supplying more renewable energy than it consumes and becoming water-positive by 2030 aims to model responsible development.
As the data center industry continues to grow, it is essential to consider the potential impact on local communities and develop strategies to mitigate any negative effects.
Source: https://www.foxbusiness.com/technology/data-centers-rapidly-transforming-small-town-america